In a gesture that has drawn admiration across the entire NFL, New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson has reportedly requested a voluntary salary reduction following a devastating ACL tear
that has ended his 2025 season.
The 27-year-old running back suffered the injury in the aftermath of the Patriots’ matchup against the Buffalo Bills, abruptly cutting short what had become one of the most impactful stretches of his year. The team officially placed Gibson on
Injured Reserve (IR), confirming he will miss the remainder of the season.
According to team sources, Gibson privately approached Patriots management earlier this month, expressing that he did not want to
“be a financial burden on the organization” while sidelined. Despite serving as a backup to Rhamondre Stevenson, Gibson had carved out a vital role as both a change-of-pace runner and a dynamic special-teams weapon — making his decision all the more striking to those inside the building.
“I love this team. I love this locker room,” Gibson reportedly told the organization. “I was given an opportunity here to contribute however I could. If I can’t be out there doing my part, then I don’t feel right taking money I didn’t earn on the field. My focus now is on healing and coming back stronger — for my teammates and for New England.”
Before the injury, Gibson had delivered several momentum-shifting moments for the Patriots. He recorded a 90-yard kick-return touchdown, the first kick-return score in the entire NFL during the 2025 season
, and added efficient production as a runner — averaging 4.2 yards per carry on 25 rushing attempts across five games, including a standout performance featuring a 27-yard rush and a touchdown.
Gibson’s decision sparked an emotional response across Patriots Nation, with fans flooding social media with messages of respect and appreciation for his selflessness, versatility, and relentless effort.
But perhaps the most heartfelt response came from within the organization itself.
In an official team statement, a senior Patriots executive personally addressed Gibson’s gesture:
“Antonio Gibson embodies the values of this organization — toughness, humility, and team-first commitment. His impact this season went far beyond statistics. We will support him fully through recovery, because he’s not just a player on our roster — he’s part of the Patriots family.”
Those words resonated throughout the league, with players and analysts praising New England’s culture and Gibson’s willingness to put the team above his own contract.
Gibson remains under medical supervision and is expected to undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation program with the Patriots’ medical staff. Head coach
Mike Vrabel confirmed that Gibson is “in good spirits” and staying engaged with the team despite the long road ahead, though he reiterated that the running back will not return to the field this season.
For a Patriots offense searching for consistency, Gibson’s absence is a significant blow. But his decision to ease the financial burden on the team while focusing on recovery has reminded everyone that New England’s foundation is built on more than production — it’s built on character.
As one fan wrote on X, summing up the emotion across New England:
“Plays like a Patriot. Carries himself like a Patriot. Antonio Gibson showed exactly what this team stands for.”
